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Faizan
The warm waters surfing of Hawai'i coupled with its spectacular vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the islands' lush hillsides, make it one of the most popular stand up paddle board destinations in the world. The sport, also called SUP, was invented in Hawai'i and is easy to learn, with most people able to get up and paddle around almost instantly. Half the enjoyment of stand up paddling is the view into the ocean. Look for dolphins, fish, stingrays and sea turtles. It's best to choose an area away from popular surfing spots. Stand up paddlers with their bigger, heavier boards that are harder to control, can be dangerous to surfers.
Just Learning
Waikiki Beach on Oahu with its calm, safe waters is a great place for beginners. This spot combines the Waikiki vibe with great views of Waikiki and Honolulu. There are a number of places to rent boards and get instruction. The North Shore is less congested and offers calm areas as well. There are lots of sheltered bays and sea turtles are often spotted. One of the most popular stand up paddle boarding locations on Oahu, Haleiwa Beach, is good for beginners on calm days but best avoided when the waves are up.
More Cruising Spots
Ali'i Beach on Oahu, made famous as the set for "Baywatch," has a protected inlet with great flat conditions. Ala Moana Beach Park in Honolulu offers an enclosed area great for learning. Watch for swimmers here. Pa'ia Bay and Ka'anapali Beach in Maui are popular spot as are Kalapaki Bay and Hanalei Bay in Kauai. Stand up tours are also offered on a tropical inland stream, Hanalei River, in Kauai. Set out from the pier in Kona on the Big Island and trace the Ironman swim route. Spinner dolphins regularly put on a show here, and stand up paddlers get a ringside view. Watch for swimmers on this popular training route.
Downwind Runs
All on the island of Oahu, these suggestions make a paddling a breeze with the help of the wind. Travel the 4 miles from Sunset Beach to Waimea Bay in the summer months, as the surf is dangerous here from November to April. The most popular downwind run on Oahu is the 8 miles from Hawai'i Kai to Kaimana Beach. Shorten this route by starting at Hawai'i Kai and ending 4 miles later at Kahala Beach. Beginners can stay inside the reef, on a high tide.
Surf the Waves
More adventurous surfing stand up paddlers who want to add some excitement can try one of these Oahu spots. Paddle out about 10 minutes near Flat Island off Kailua Beach Park for small beginner waves. Old Man's, off Kaimana Beach, is probably Hawai'i's most popular surf spot for stand up paddlers but avoid this area in high tide. The Hawai'i Kai boat channel offers some good waves on either side.
Just Learning
Waikiki Beach on Oahu with its calm, safe waters is a great place for beginners. This spot combines the Waikiki vibe with great views of Waikiki and Honolulu. There are a number of places to rent boards and get instruction. The North Shore is less congested and offers calm areas as well. There are lots of sheltered bays and sea turtles are often spotted. One of the most popular stand up paddle boarding locations on Oahu, Haleiwa Beach, is good for beginners on calm days but best avoided when the waves are up.
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| Places to Stand-Up-Paddle Board in Hawaii |
Ali'i Beach on Oahu, made famous as the set for "Baywatch," has a protected inlet with great flat conditions. Ala Moana Beach Park in Honolulu offers an enclosed area great for learning. Watch for swimmers here. Pa'ia Bay and Ka'anapali Beach in Maui are popular spot as are Kalapaki Bay and Hanalei Bay in Kauai. Stand up tours are also offered on a tropical inland stream, Hanalei River, in Kauai. Set out from the pier in Kona on the Big Island and trace the Ironman swim route. Spinner dolphins regularly put on a show here, and stand up paddlers get a ringside view. Watch for swimmers on this popular training route.
Downwind Runs
All on the island of Oahu, these suggestions make a paddling a breeze with the help of the wind. Travel the 4 miles from Sunset Beach to Waimea Bay in the summer months, as the surf is dangerous here from November to April. The most popular downwind run on Oahu is the 8 miles from Hawai'i Kai to Kaimana Beach. Shorten this route by starting at Hawai'i Kai and ending 4 miles later at Kahala Beach. Beginners can stay inside the reef, on a high tide.
Surf the Waves
More adventurous surfing stand up paddlers who want to add some excitement can try one of these Oahu spots. Paddle out about 10 minutes near Flat Island off Kailua Beach Park for small beginner waves. Old Man's, off Kaimana Beach, is probably Hawai'i's most popular surf spot for stand up paddlers but avoid this area in high tide. The Hawai'i Kai boat channel offers some good waves on either side.
Posted in: surfing
